Monday, April 27, 2009

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (Quran, Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12)

Suspicion is a natural human instinct but in this verse Allah (Subhana wa ta'ala) tells us to avoid it so we do not fall into other destructive areas. Suspicion and distrust can destroy brotherhood and sisterhood and hence we need to eliminate it.

Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) warned us of the dangers of suspicion by saying "Beware of suspicion, for verily it is the most deceptive form of speech" Reported by Aby Hurayrah and collected by Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawood

Suspicion can lead to backbiting, gossiping and slander when it is spoken about. Even if you have suspicious thoughts you should try your best not to act on it or speak about it since this can lead to those grave sins, so the best thing is to avoid suspicion all together.

The Prophet Sallalahu alaihi wa salam said "Allah overlooks the evil thoughts of the Muslim nation as long as they do not speak about it or act on it" Reported by Abu Hurayrah and collected by Bukhari and Muslim

Caliph Umar radiallahu anhu is reported to have said"If your Muslim brother makes an ambiguous statement to you, you should only think the best and you will find a good explanation for it" Ibn Katheer and Imam Malik

Suspicion and curiosity about others can lead to spying. The invasion of privacy is opposed by Islam, and the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) advised us to stay out of other peoples business to the point where it is one of the qualities that complete a Muslim's Islam. He said "Among the things which complete a man's Islam is his avoiding things which do not concern him" Tirmidhiand "Blessed is he who is so busy with his own faults that he becomes unaware of the faults of others" Reported by Anas, collected by al-Bazzar

Eavesdropping is haram, and severe punishments have been described.The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) said "One who eavesdrops on the conversation of others and hears what they would not like him to hear will have molten brass poured in his ears on the Day of Judgement" Collected by Tabarani and authenticated by al-Albani

On another occasion he (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) is reported to have said "The habitual eavesdropper will not enter Paradise." Reported by Hudhayfah, colected by Bukhari, Muslim and others.

Even if you suspect someone is doing something wrong in their home, it is not allowed to spy on them. Islamic law rejects any evidence obtained by spying and snooping. Ibn Mas'ood said "We have been forbidden from spying, but if any evidence appears in the open we will use it" Collected by Abu Dawood

Nowadays suspicion and backbiting have become so common that we don't realize that we are backbiting when we talk about others. We all need to stop it, there is absolutely no good in it.

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) was asked "O Messenger of Allah, what exactly is Gheebah (backbiting)?" He replied, "It is mentioning something about your brother which he dislikes." The man then asked, "What if what I said were true?" The Prophet answered, "If what you said were true, you have backbitten and if it was not, you have slandered." Reported by Abu Hurayrah in Bukhari and Muslim

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) chastised even his family "Once a woman visited Aishah (radiallahu anha) and when the woman got up to leave, Aisha made a sign with her hand indicating to the Prophet Aishah (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) that the woman was short of stature. The Prophet immediately chastised her, saying, 'You have backbitten!'" Reported by Hasan ibn al-Makhariq, collected by Ibn Jareer.

Backbiting is haram except in the protection of a muslim's welfare such as evidence in a court case, and when advice is sought for business dealings or marriage. For example, Fatima bint Qays came to the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) seeking marital advice after both Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan and Abu Jahm had proposed to her, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) said "Mu'awiyah is stingy and tight fisted and Abu Jahm beats his women, so marry Usamah instead" Reported by Fatima bint Qays, collected by Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi and others.

If someone has cheated you in business and another muslim is about to do business with the person, you should warn them by telling them your experience, but keep it to the point, don't embellish and add other irrelevant things.

We should not seek to show up the faults of others, there are great rewards for covering each others faults. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) said "In this life and the next Allah will cover the faults of one who covers a Muslim's faults" Reported by Abu Hurayrah and collected by Tirmidhi

He (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) also said "On the Day of Ressurection, Allah will deflect fire from the face of one who defends his Muslim brother's honour in the latter's absense." Reported by Abu al-Darda , collected by Tirmidhi

Suspicion and slander can break apart friendships, families and destroy communities and business relationships. They and their related behaviours are very dangerous.

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) said "Do not envy each other, harbour ill-will towards each other or make false bids against each other (during sales in order to increase the prices of goods), nor boycott each other, or spy on each other; but instead, be true servants of Allah and brothers. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim, he does not harm him, humiliate him or scorn him." He (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) then pointed to his chest and said "Fear of Allah dwells here, fear of Allah dwells here. It is very evil that a Muslim look down upon a brother Muslim. Everything of a Muslim is forbidden to another Muslim; his blood is sacred, so are his honour and his property" Reported by Abu Hurayrah, collected by Muslim

We should not only avoid suspicion and backbiting, we should try to prevent others from doing so. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wa salam) said "Whoever perceives an evil should prevent it with his hand, but if he is unable let him do so with his tongue and if he remains unable let him hate it in his heart for that is the lowest form of Eeman" Reported by Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri, collected by Muslim and Abu Dawood

Let us all make an effort to avoid being suspicious of each other and to avoid backbiting, and to stop others from backbiting in our presence. I remind myself before anyone else.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A brother who was interested in marrying me over a year ago (it didnt happen), contacted me online today out of the blue. He asked how I was and what I was up to. I had a feeling he was married by now because I saw a pic on facebook, but anyway I didnt ask just yet. So we had a nice conversation, he has made Hijrah now and he asked if I was married. I'm not, so i told him so, and asked if he was. it turns out that he has been married now for a year and has a son, MashaAllah. But....he says he is thinking of having another wife, and wondered what I thought about that (implying me as being the new co-wife).

He says he doesnt know if his wife will accept it.

Now I know nothing is wrong with Polygny, but I tried to put myself in the other sister's shoes, as a new wife, only one year married, new baby, living in a new foreign country.....would I be excited about my husband taking another wife at this time? more than likely, NO, I would not be too thrilled. His reason is that he wants a big family (6 children) and she only wants to have three children. WHOA...I told him to be patient, maybe she would have more than three, and that I thought it was too soon for him to be thinking about another wife right now, and that she might not be too happy with the idea at this time. He thanked me for my advice and that was it.

Did I shoot myself in the foot, or did I do the right thing? I think he is a good Muslim MashaAllah, and Allah Subhana wa ta'ala knows best, so did I sabotage myself? Aaargh, I feel so confused, and today was going so well :-(

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The following was taken from the Appendix of an older copy of 'The Prophet's prayer described' with a few slight modifications. I wanted to share it as it has general principles that we as Muslims should try to attain to. All the evidences presented are from the Quran and authentic hadith.

Our Objectives

A return to the sublime Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet(sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam) and to comprehend them both according to the understanding and way of the Pious Predecessors (as-salafus-saalih) –may Allaah be pleased with them all- acting upon the saying of our Lord – The Majestic.

“If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the Guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows apath other than that of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in hell, what an evil refuge !” (an-Nisa 4 :115)

And the first to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. (At-Tawbah 9:100)

and His – (The One free of Imperfections) saying:

“So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path..” (al-Baqara 2:137)

and the sayings of the Messenger (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Najih al-Irbad bin Sariyah, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said:

The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, delivered an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. We said, "O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this were a farewell sermon, so advise us." He said, "I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if a slave is made a ruler over you. He among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So for you is to observe my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-principled and rightly-guided Rashidite Caliphs, holding on to them with your molar teeth. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every invented matter is an innovation and every innovation(bid'ah) is a going astray.”

[Abu Dawud & Al-Tirmidhi, who says it is an authentic hadith

and

Abdullah reported: It was asked from Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) who amongst the people were the best. He said: (People) of my generation, then those next to them, then those next to them…, [Sahih Muslim]

To purify everything related to the life of the Muslims from Shirk in its various forms – and to warn them against the wicked innovations (Bid’ah) in the creed (Aqeedah) and acts of worship (Ibaadah) and false ideas introduced from outside, and to cleanse the Sunnah of the weak and fabricated narrations which have tarnished the pure nature of Islaam, and have been a cause of prevention of the progress of the Muslims, in realization of the responsibility due to knowledge and due to the saying of the noble Messenger: (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

“This knowledge will be carried by the trustworthy ones of every generation – they will expel from it the alterations made by those going beyond bounds, and the false claims of the liars, and the false interpretations of the ignorant.”

“..Help you one another in righteousness and piety, but help you not one another in sin and enmity.” (al-Maa’idah 5:2)

To educate and cultivate the Muslims upon their true Deen, and calling them to act according to its rulings, and to cultivate in themselves its morality and manners – which will ensure Allaah’s pleasure and result in their welfare and honour – being in agreement with the Qur’aanic description of the group who are saved from ruin

“…And (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of patience and constancy.” (al-Asr 103:3)

and due to His order:

“On the contrary (He would say): “Be you people of wisdom and knowledge for you have taught the Book and you have studied it earnestly.” (Aal-Imraan :79)

To revive true Islamic thought in the light of the Book and the Sunnah and upon the way of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) of this Ummah, and to remove the stagnated blind following of Madh-habs (schools of thought) and blind adherence to parties – which has overcome the minds of many Muslims and distracted them from clear and pure Islamic brotherhood/sisterhood – as demanded by the order of Allaah – The Majestic and Most High:

“And hold fast all together, by the rope of Allah, and be ye not divided among yourselves…” (Aal-Imraan 3:103)

and the saying of the Prophet (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

“Be worshippers of Allaah(and) brothers !” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

To provide practical Islamic solutions for the present day problems and to strive for returning to a true Islamic way of life upon the way of the Prophet (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam) – and to bring about a society guided by the Revelation, and for Allaah’s laws to be applied upon the earth – beginning this process with correction (tasfiyah) and education and cultivation (tarbiyah) – as Allaah, the Most High says:

“And instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and purify them” (al-Baqarah 2:129)

whilst remembering the saying of our Lord – the One free of all imperfections – to His Prophet (sallallaahu’ alaihi wasallam)

“…And whether we show thee (in this life) some part of what We promise them, or We take thy soul (to Our mercy before that), - (in any case) it is to us that they shall (all) return.”(Ghaafir 40:77)

and realizing the Sharee’ah principle: “He who seeks to hasten to bring something about before its appointed time – is punished by being deprived of its achievement.”

To cordially invite all those who have not yet been blessed with that true Knowledge and Guidance of Islam which is the perfect final revealed Message of Allaah to His Creation, so that they may realize the peace and contentment of this life and the eternal bliss of the Hereafter.

This is our call- and we call all of the Muslims to assist us in shouldering this responsibility which will awaken and uplift them, and to spread the perpetual message of Islaam to all corners of the earth – in sincere brotherhood/sisterhood and love, having full confidence in Allaah’s aid and that He will indeed establish and grant authority to His righteous servants:

“…But honour belongs to Allaah and His Messenger, and to the Believers...” (al-Munaafiqoon 63:8)

“It is He who has sent His Messenger with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth. That He makes it prevail over all religion, even though the pagans may detest (it).” (as-Saff 61:9).MashaAllah, very straightforward and to the point, and most importantly with daleel(evidence) from Qur'an and Sunnah. InshaAllah we as Muslims can accomplish these objectives, and I remind myself first before anyone else.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

After reading a very inspiring blogpost I decided to turn over a new leaf. I have deleted all unrelated males from my facebook friends list, and have decided to try to do some good deeds and dawah each and every day , no matter how small, InshaAllah.

I have been giving dawah to my co-workers , showing them dvds, sending them website links, sharing books and pamphlets, but I have gotten complacent. I think its a lack of patience on my end, it just seems incomprehensible to me how someone exposed to the facts of Islam could not just accept it. I use the word facts because persons who have been exposed to the media propoganda and lies as representation of Islam would be less inclined to do so. Then again, propaganda seems to make people want to know more and do their own research, well at least the open minded people anyway.

So I have decided to step up the dawah. I have classified my coworkers based on their personalities, understanding and knowledge so far.

The Agnostic - believes in God, but does not believe there is just one right religion. Also believes in Darwins theory of evolution, watches a lot of news and associates cultural practices with Islam, however is keen to ask about things pertaining to the religion as seen on tv or in the news. Has a strong personality and you have to have the facts straight up to deal with the questions. Willing to learn more about Islam.

The Preacher - Masters in theology (Christian Theology of course), filled with blind faith that the Bible is THE word of God, believes the Nicean council was inspired by God to make the changes to Christianity that they did, believes that unless we all accept Jesus (alaihi salaam) as the Son of God, and as God ,we will not be saved. Unwilling to discuss anything to the contrary, no matter how much logic is shown, but will listen when similarities between the Bible and Quran are discussed. Sometimes asks for the Islamic standpoint on various issues for comparison to the Christian standpoint and is more often than not, pleasantly surprised. 'Really????, you believe that tooooo?' :)

The Searcher - Searching for the truth, finding it, but pondering the ramifications of openly accepting it. Accepts that Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wa salam) is the Messenger of God, Accepts that Jesus (alaihi salaam) was also just a Messenger of God, Accepts that the Quran is the Word of God...But unwilling to accept Islam..Yet. Has read extensively, found the flaws in the bible, discounts the trinity, but wonders if it is actually necessary to declare faith in Islam. Seems the most promising of the group so far InshaAllah and only time will tell.

The Researcher - Bordering on agnosticism, willing to hear all sides of the religious viewpoints. Acknowledges the errors in the bible, acknowledges the truth in the Quran, especially when shown the scientific facts. Unwilling to accept the 'rules' of Islam, has the mentality of , 'I cant follow so many rules, I just want to live life, I will find out the truth when I am dead'. Usually likes to find the facts by themself and will watch and read dawah material on Islam. Learns best by audio and video. Usually speaks up when someone says something negative about Islam and refutes them with some truthful facts Alhamdullilah. Second most promising of the group.

The Silent One - Her attitude is 'We can just follow what we feel is the truth from the bible and disregard the rest' . Will watch the videos and take the literature (not sure if she reads it though), but staunchly believes Christianity is the only way. Usually makes no comment on religious issues.

The method of dawah to each of them has to be different. I just want them to know all the facts and make an informed decision. I am not trying to convert them, that is not my job, only Allah can lead people to accept Islam. So instead of giving up on them as I was doing, or giving them all the same info at the same time, I will try a new individual approach based on their characteristics InshaAllah. May Allah (subhana wa ta ala) open their hearts and minds to the truth , Ameen.